Colin Kaepernick Discusses Memoir 'The Perilous Fight' and NFL Activism
Colin Kaepernick, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, has released a memoir titled "The Perilous Fight" and discussed his life and activism in an interview with The New Yorker Radio Hour. Kaepernick led the 49ers to the Super Bowl over a decade ago but became more known for kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest police shootings of Black men. He was subsequently unable to secure another NFL position. In the interview, Kaepernick talks about his love for football, his activism, and concerns about the sport's physical toll. He describes his upbringing in Turlock, California, where he was adopted by a white family and found community in football. He also discusses the racism he faced in the NFL, including being asked inappropriate questions at the combine. Kaepernick criticizes the NFL's response to his protests, noting that owners aligned with Donald Trump. He mentions support from players like Eric Reid and Kenny Stills, and white players Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. He also addresses the WNBA's cultural politics and comments on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's "Woke 1" remark. Kaepernick expresses that he misses playing football and would return if given the chance. The interview covers his memoir and his reflections on his career and activism.
Key facts
- Colin Kaepernick led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl over a decade ago.
- Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem in 2016 to protest police shootings of Black men.
- He has written a memoir titled "The Perilous Fight".
- He spoke with The New Yorker Radio Hour about his career and activism.
- Kaepernick grew up in Turlock, California, where the Black population was between one and three percent.
- He was adopted by a white family and found community in football.
- He faced racism in the NFL, including inappropriate questions at the combine.
- He received support from players like Eric Reid, Kenny Stills, Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady.
- He criticized the NFL for aligning with Donald Trump and for not offering him another opportunity to play.
- He mentioned that one in four NFL players will end up with CTE, according to a recent study.
- He said he would return to football if given the chance.
Entities
Artists
- Colin Kaepernick
- Donald Trump
- Muhammad Ali
- John Carlos
- Tommie Smith
- Malcolm X
- James Baldwin
- Frantz Fanon
- Huey Newton
- Angela Davis
- Warren Moon
- Donovan McNabb
- Randall Cunningham
- Mike Vick
- Doug Williams
- Fran Tarkenton
- Steve Young
- David Whitley
- Steve Wyche
- Eric Reid
- Kenny Stills
- Albert Wilson
- Aaron Rodgers
- Tom Brady
- Kyle Shanahan
- John Lynch
- Malcolm Jenkins
- Anquan Boldin
- Robert Kraft
- Jerry Jones
- Michael Jordan
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Mamdani
Institutions
- San Francisco 49ers
- National Football League
- The New Yorker
- The New Yorker Radio Hour
- Seattle Seahawks
- Nike
- WNBA
- Players Coalition
- New England Patriots
- Dallas Cowboys
- Berkeley
Locations
- San Francisco
- California
- Turlock
- United States
- Mexico City
- Baton Rouge
- Minnesota
- San Diego
- Louisiana